We were in search of somebody’s white whale today. Met up with Stuart at the Pali Lookout. Somebody overslept. So off we went.

Trailhead

Stuart scrambling up the surprisingly dry trail.

Scenic point

Typical blustery day on the Pali. We also ran into Ted “Marathon Man” Calvero who was taking sunrise snaps.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The trail was teeming with hikers coming and going. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Pali Notches

Stuart making his way down the first notch.

Pali Notches

The winds started to kick up a notch and the clouds became more voluminous.

Pali Notches

Stuart climbing down the second notch.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Wind breaker time. My insulation was sorely lacking. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Double shaka. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nipple

Single shaka. Times are tough.

Chimney

Sweeping up the chimney. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Chimney

Stuart pulling himself up.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rock scrambling ahead.

Contour

I swear this ledge gets smaller every time I step foot on it. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Contour

Throw me a life line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Is that tree dead or alive?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Another white whale sighted.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back towards the shrouded peak of Lanihuli.

Konahuanui Windward

Time to go fishing.

Konahuanui Windward

Stuart was the hook and line. I guess I was the sinker. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Back on the trail again. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Stuart heading towards the socked in summit.

Dragonfly

Endemic or invasive? Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Mud Wall

Stuart climbing up.

Piliwale Junction

Deja vu.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Heading to the summit of the tallest mountain on the Ko’olau Range.

Konahuanui Summit

Which direction is the scenic view? That way?

KSRT

Looking for the mystical mojo amongst the twin testicles.

K2 Summit

Got mud?

Trail

Taking our leave of the Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail.

Trail

We got a view. Cloudy view. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

Nu’uanu Overlook

We soaked in the views and then made our way down the Pauoa Flats Trail. Photo by Stuart Krempin.

‘Aihualama Trail

The rustling bamboo grass provided our company and cover going down the trail.

Manoa Falls

The burning question is, are the falls 150′ or 100′ high?

All pau

Anybody missing a collapsible container doubling as a doggy water dish? Nope? Score for Stuart.

GPS Tracks

Our fishing expedition covered 5.29 miles. Thanks to Stuart for waking up and keeping me company. We’ll be back to catch that other white whale. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up. Post hike meal at Lilihia Bakery. Prime Rib Special doesn’t start until after 5pm. Good to know.

Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.